MUSIC WORKS MAGIC!
WHY STUDENTS WHO STRUM AND SING IN GITC CLASSROOMS CAN DEVELOP STRONGER ACADEMIC SKILLS
GITC Strum & Sing programs train educators how to teach and impart crucial academic, cognitive and social skills through making music in their classrooms every day. In just 8 weeks, with no musical background required, teachers become comfortable playing, singing, leading and writing lyrics for songs that help will help their students learn. Along with songs they learn leadership techniques, activities and strategies for making music an integral part of each school day.
In Strum & Sing after school and summer classes for teachers, we focus on teaching traditional songs with easy chords, indelible melodies and engaging lyrics that make learning fun so kids will ask for more. Then the elements of music, the activity of sing, writing lyrics and sharing songs work the magic. Literacy skills improve and as language proficiency increases, so does every aspect of learning.
Interested in research on the connection between music and reading? Click HERE!
From vocabulary building to effective writing and analytic reasoning,
TEACHERS and STUDENTS in 32 states and part of Canada are strumming and singing to LEARN.
Please join us for a class or online!
We will be starting a weekly online class in January, 2019.
WHY STUDENTS WHO STRUM AND SING IN GITC CLASSROOMS CAN DEVELOP STRONGER ACADEMIC SKILLS
GITC Strum & Sing programs train educators how to teach and impart crucial academic, cognitive and social skills through making music in their classrooms every day. In just 8 weeks, with no musical background required, teachers become comfortable playing, singing, leading and writing lyrics for songs that help will help their students learn. Along with songs they learn leadership techniques, activities and strategies for making music an integral part of each school day.
In Strum & Sing after school and summer classes for teachers, we focus on teaching traditional songs with easy chords, indelible melodies and engaging lyrics that make learning fun so kids will ask for more. Then the elements of music, the activity of sing, writing lyrics and sharing songs work the magic. Literacy skills improve and as language proficiency increases, so does every aspect of learning.
- Strumming, singing and songwriting are a part of GITC class every week.
- Strumming an instrument establishes the steady beat the underlies learning to sing a melody and lyrics.
- Students who can match and play a steady beat score higher on reading skills tests. There is a direct correlation!
- This rhythm lays the auditory framework needed to hear, pronounce and articulate spoken language.
- Students who learn songs find that their listening skills are blossoming because the music turns their ears on!
- Singing songs together in the classroom helps all children- even those who are shy- find a safe way to participate.
- Reciting, singing and reading lyrics together helps language learners begin to hear, decode and spell new words!
- The more students sing their songs, the more fluent they become as speakers.
- Repetition in folk and pop songs commits the language and ideas in lyrics to memory without kids even "trying."
- Performing these songs for peers and family members builds self confidence and self esteem!
Interested in research on the connection between music and reading? Click HERE!
From vocabulary building to effective writing and analytic reasoning,
TEACHERS and STUDENTS in 32 states and part of Canada are strumming and singing to LEARN.
Please join us for a class or online!
We will be starting a weekly online class in January, 2019.
PLEASE FIND A PROGRAM HERE. FALL Programs are concluding at this time. We will be listing WINTER classes in December.
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GITCregistration)
Alabama
City: Mobile, Alabama
Instructor: Kate MacMahon
Instructor Email: kjmac01@msn.com
Class Location: U.S.A. Children's & Women's Hospital, 1700 Center St, Mobile, AL 36604
Course Level: Beginner- for medical educators, social workers & staff
Day: Mondays
Dates: Sept 28 - Dec 1
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm
Arizona
City: Phoenix, AZ
Instructor: Gerry DeLaTorre
Instructor Email: gerrygitc@live.com
Class Location: Desert View Elementary School, 8621 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Mondays
Dates: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov 5, 26, Dec 4, 11
No Class Nov 12th (Veteran's Day) or Nov 19th (Thanksgiving break)
Time: 4:30 - 5:30pm
California
Region: Northern CA
City: Oakland, CA
Instructor: Eli Wise
Instructor Email: eli.wise@ousd.org
Class Location: International Community School (ICS) music room, 2825 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601
Course Level: Beginner Plus
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Oct 9, 16, 23, Nov 6, 13, 27, Dec 4, 11
No class Halloween or Thanksgiving weeks
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
City: Weed, CA
Instructor: Nancy Longworth
Instructor Email: nlongworth@cot.net
Class Location: Butteville Elementary, 24512 Edgewood Rd, Weed, CA 96094
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Region: Central CA
City: Elk Grove, CA
Instructor: Michael Hemsworth
Instructor Email: michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com
Class 1 Location: Herburger Elementary School, 8670 Maranello Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Course 1 Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummer
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: October 10, 17. 24, 31, November 7, 14, 28th
Time: 3:15 - 4:15pm
Class 2 Location: Herburger Elementary School, 8670 Maranello Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Course 2 Level: Beginner
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: October 10, 17. 24, 31, November 7, 14, 28th
Time: 4:15 - 5:15pm
City: Mariposa, CA - On Hold Until January 2019
Instructor: Gail Dreifus
Instructor Email: gailpisces1@att.net
Class Location: at the instructor's home, address to be shared after enrollment.
Course Level: Beginner Plus
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Region: Southern CA
City: Victorville, CA
Instructor: Brittan Egnozzi
Instructor Email: begnozzi@vasd.net
Class Location: West Palms Conservatory, 14375 Del Gado Road, Victorville, CA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Reseda, CA (Los Angeles) FULL & CLOSED
Instructor: Terry Brockmann
Instructor Email: tab1815@lausd.net
Class Location: Shirley Elementary School, 19452 Hart St, Reseda, CA 91335
Course Level: Beginner/Beginner Plus
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: Oct 17, 24, Nov 7, 14, 28, Dec 5, 12
No class Halloween or Thanksgiving weeks
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: Mid City, CA (Los Angeles)
Instructor: Heidi Swedberg
Instructor Email: heidiswedberg@gmail.com
Class Location: Saturn Street Elementary, 5360 Saturn St, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct 18, 25, Nov 1, 15, 20, Dec 6
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
City: Panorama City, CA (Los Angeles) On Hold Until January 2019
Instructor: Kristen Herbert
Instructor Email: kristenherbert@gmail.com
Class Location: Chase Elementary, 14041 Chase St, Panorama City, CA 91402
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: TBA
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: San Pedro, CA (Los Angeles) - On Hold Until Winter
Instructor: Aurora Thompson
Instructor Email: dawnmuse@hotmail.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: City Heights, CA (San Diego) - On Hold Until Winter
Instructor: TBD
Instructor Email: TBD
Class Location: Euclid Elementary, 4166 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummers
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Del Cerro, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Jess Baron
Instructor Email: jess@guitarsintheclassroom.org
Class Location: Hearst Elementary, 6230 Del Cerro Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummers
Day: Changed to Fridays
Dates: October 19, 26, 29, Nov 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec 7
No Class Nov 23
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: Encinitas, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Stephanie Lewis
Instructor Email: sclewis67@gmail.com
Class Location: Encinitas Union School District Farm Lab, 441 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummers
Day: 6 Saturdays til winter break
Dates: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, 17, Dec 1, 8, 15
Time: 9:30-10:45
City: La Mesa, CA (San Diego) CLOSED AND FULL- waitlist only
Instructor: Julia Cole & Bari Zwirn
Instructor Email: julia.cole@lmsvschools.org & bzwirn@me.com
Class Location: Murray Manor Elementary, 8305 El Paso St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Course 1 Level: Beginner
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: October 23 - December 11
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
Course 2 Level: Beginner
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: October 24 - December 14
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: Lemon Grove, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Dan Decker
Instructor Email: ddecker@lemongrovesd.net
Class Location: San Miguel Elementary, 7059 San Miguel, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummer
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 27
Time: 3:30 - 5:00pm
City: North Park, CA (San Diego)- FULL & CLOSED- waitlist only
Instructor: Bari Zwirn
Instructor Email: bzwirn@me.com
Class Location: Mid-City Community Music at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4011 Ohio St, San Diego, CA 92104
Course Level: Strummers
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15
Time: 4:30 - 6:00pm
City: Paradise Hills, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Jefferson Jay
Instructor Email: jeffersonjaye@yahoo.com
Class Location: Paradise Hills Elementary, 5816 Alleghany St, San Diego, CA 92139
Course Level: Beginner
Day: TBA
Dates: October, TBA
Time: TBA
City: Serra Mesa, CA (San Diego)- CLOSED AND FULL- waitlist only
Instructor: Desiree Cera
Instructor Email: desireecamillecera@gmail.com
Class Location: Wegeforth Elementary, 3443 Ediwhar Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Mondays
Dates: October 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 26, Dec 3, 10
No Class Nov 12th (Veteran's Day) or Nov 19th (Thanksgiving break)
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
Colorado
City: Aurora, CO
Instructor: Joan Maute
Instructor Email: joanmaute@gmail.com
Class Location: Sunrise Elementary School, 4050 S Genoa Way, Aurora, CO 80013
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct 11, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15
Time: 3:45 - 5:15pm
City: Loveland, CO
Instructor: Joan Maute
Instructor Email: joanmaute@gmail.com
Class Location: Van Buren Elementary School, 1811 W 15th St, Loveland, CO 80538
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Longmont, CO
Instructor: Linda Emmermann
Instructor Email: lemusic55@aol.com
Class Location: Hygiene Elementary, 11968 N. 75th Street, Longmont, CO 80503
Course Level: Beginners
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Oct. 23- Dec 11
Time: after school, specifics forthcoming.
City: Pueblo, CO
Instructor: Joan Maute & Linda Emmermann
Instructor Email: joanmaute@gmail.com & lemusic55@aol.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Kansas
City: Kansas City, KS
Instructor: Amanda Johnson
Instructor Email: amanda.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: Noble Prentis Elementary, 2337 S 14th St, Kansas City, KS 66103
Course Level: Beginner/ Beginner Plus
Day: Mondays
Dates: September 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
City: Olathe, KS
Instructor: Amanda Johnson
Instructor Email: amanda.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: Ridgeview Elementary, 1201 E Elm St, Olathe, KS 66061
Registration continues: 8/21/18, 2nd week for those who have already taken the trainings, 8/28/18 for those who are new trainees in other schools
Course Level: Beginner/ Beginner Plus
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 23, 30, Nov 6
Time: 4:00-5:10pm
Mississippi
City: Ocean Springs, MS - on hold until January 2019
Instructor: Kate MacMahon
Instructor Email: kjmac01@msn.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: Beginner
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Missouri
City: Kansas City, MO
Instructor: Amanda Johnson, in development
Instructor Email: amanda.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
North Carolina
City: Bolivia, NC (Brunswick County)
Instructor: Jeremy Matthews
Instructor Email: mrmathews70@gmail.com
Class Location: Brunswick County District Office, Building K, 35 Referendum Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
Course Level: Beginner Plus
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Wilmington, NC (New Hanover County)
Instructor: Jeremy Matthews
Instructor Email: mrmathews70@gmail.com
Class Location: Noble Middle School, 6520 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, Room 27
Course Level: Beginner Plus (Brush Up!)Participants will review skills learned in the GITC Beginner class such as playing chords, songwriting and incorporating music in their school curriculum. This class is for school personnel who have already taken the GITC Beginner class previously.
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: November 13-December 18 (No class Thanksgiving :-)
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Texas
City: Wichita Falls
Instructor: Jess Baron
Instructor Email: jess@guitarsintheclassroom.org
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: Beginner for Special Olympics leaders & teachers
When: One Day Workshop - Monday Oct 8
Washington
City: Langley, WA (South Whidbey Island)
Instructor: Quinn Fitzpatrick
Instructor Email: quinn.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: South Whidbey Elementary School, 5380 Maxwelton Rd, Langley, WA 98260
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: October 9, 16, 23, Nov 6, 13, 27, Dec 4, 11
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
West Virginia
City: Clay, WV (Clay County)
Instructor: Tracy Wayne
Instructor Email: twayne37@hotmail.com
Class Location: Clay Middle School Room G2, 19 Church St, Clay, WV 25043
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec 6th
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GITCregistration)
Alabama
City: Mobile, Alabama
Instructor: Kate MacMahon
Instructor Email: kjmac01@msn.com
Class Location: U.S.A. Children's & Women's Hospital, 1700 Center St, Mobile, AL 36604
Course Level: Beginner- for medical educators, social workers & staff
Day: Mondays
Dates: Sept 28 - Dec 1
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm
Arizona
City: Phoenix, AZ
Instructor: Gerry DeLaTorre
Instructor Email: gerrygitc@live.com
Class Location: Desert View Elementary School, 8621 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Mondays
Dates: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov 5, 26, Dec 4, 11
No Class Nov 12th (Veteran's Day) or Nov 19th (Thanksgiving break)
Time: 4:30 - 5:30pm
California
Region: Northern CA
City: Oakland, CA
Instructor: Eli Wise
Instructor Email: eli.wise@ousd.org
Class Location: International Community School (ICS) music room, 2825 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94601
Course Level: Beginner Plus
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Oct 9, 16, 23, Nov 6, 13, 27, Dec 4, 11
No class Halloween or Thanksgiving weeks
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
City: Weed, CA
Instructor: Nancy Longworth
Instructor Email: nlongworth@cot.net
Class Location: Butteville Elementary, 24512 Edgewood Rd, Weed, CA 96094
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Region: Central CA
City: Elk Grove, CA
Instructor: Michael Hemsworth
Instructor Email: michael@elkgrovemusiclessons.com
Class 1 Location: Herburger Elementary School, 8670 Maranello Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Course 1 Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummer
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: October 10, 17. 24, 31, November 7, 14, 28th
Time: 3:15 - 4:15pm
Class 2 Location: Herburger Elementary School, 8670 Maranello Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95624
Course 2 Level: Beginner
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: October 10, 17. 24, 31, November 7, 14, 28th
Time: 4:15 - 5:15pm
City: Mariposa, CA - On Hold Until January 2019
Instructor: Gail Dreifus
Instructor Email: gailpisces1@att.net
Class Location: at the instructor's home, address to be shared after enrollment.
Course Level: Beginner Plus
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Region: Southern CA
City: Victorville, CA
Instructor: Brittan Egnozzi
Instructor Email: begnozzi@vasd.net
Class Location: West Palms Conservatory, 14375 Del Gado Road, Victorville, CA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Reseda, CA (Los Angeles) FULL & CLOSED
Instructor: Terry Brockmann
Instructor Email: tab1815@lausd.net
Class Location: Shirley Elementary School, 19452 Hart St, Reseda, CA 91335
Course Level: Beginner/Beginner Plus
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: Oct 17, 24, Nov 7, 14, 28, Dec 5, 12
No class Halloween or Thanksgiving weeks
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: Mid City, CA (Los Angeles)
Instructor: Heidi Swedberg
Instructor Email: heidiswedberg@gmail.com
Class Location: Saturn Street Elementary, 5360 Saturn St, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct 18, 25, Nov 1, 15, 20, Dec 6
Time: 4:00-5:00 pm
City: Panorama City, CA (Los Angeles) On Hold Until January 2019
Instructor: Kristen Herbert
Instructor Email: kristenherbert@gmail.com
Class Location: Chase Elementary, 14041 Chase St, Panorama City, CA 91402
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: TBA
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: San Pedro, CA (Los Angeles) - On Hold Until Winter
Instructor: Aurora Thompson
Instructor Email: dawnmuse@hotmail.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: City Heights, CA (San Diego) - On Hold Until Winter
Instructor: TBD
Instructor Email: TBD
Class Location: Euclid Elementary, 4166 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummers
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Del Cerro, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Jess Baron
Instructor Email: jess@guitarsintheclassroom.org
Class Location: Hearst Elementary, 6230 Del Cerro Blvd, San Diego, CA 92120
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummers
Day: Changed to Fridays
Dates: October 19, 26, 29, Nov 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec 7
No Class Nov 23
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: Encinitas, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Stephanie Lewis
Instructor Email: sclewis67@gmail.com
Class Location: Encinitas Union School District Farm Lab, 441 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummers
Day: 6 Saturdays til winter break
Dates: Oct. 13, Nov. 10, 17, Dec 1, 8, 15
Time: 9:30-10:45
City: La Mesa, CA (San Diego) CLOSED AND FULL- waitlist only
Instructor: Julia Cole & Bari Zwirn
Instructor Email: julia.cole@lmsvschools.org & bzwirn@me.com
Class Location: Murray Manor Elementary, 8305 El Paso St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Course 1 Level: Beginner
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: October 23 - December 11
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
Course 2 Level: Beginner
Day: Wednesdays
Dates: October 24 - December 14
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm
City: Lemon Grove, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Dan Decker
Instructor Email: ddecker@lemongrovesd.net
Class Location: San Miguel Elementary, 7059 San Miguel, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Course Level: Beginner Plus/ Strummer
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 27
Time: 3:30 - 5:00pm
City: North Park, CA (San Diego)- FULL & CLOSED- waitlist only
Instructor: Bari Zwirn
Instructor Email: bzwirn@me.com
Class Location: Mid-City Community Music at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 4011 Ohio St, San Diego, CA 92104
Course Level: Strummers
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct 11, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15
Time: 4:30 - 6:00pm
City: Paradise Hills, CA (San Diego)
Instructor: Jefferson Jay
Instructor Email: jeffersonjaye@yahoo.com
Class Location: Paradise Hills Elementary, 5816 Alleghany St, San Diego, CA 92139
Course Level: Beginner
Day: TBA
Dates: October, TBA
Time: TBA
City: Serra Mesa, CA (San Diego)- CLOSED AND FULL- waitlist only
Instructor: Desiree Cera
Instructor Email: desireecamillecera@gmail.com
Class Location: Wegeforth Elementary, 3443 Ediwhar Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Mondays
Dates: October 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 26, Dec 3, 10
No Class Nov 12th (Veteran's Day) or Nov 19th (Thanksgiving break)
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
Colorado
City: Aurora, CO
Instructor: Joan Maute
Instructor Email: joanmaute@gmail.com
Class Location: Sunrise Elementary School, 4050 S Genoa Way, Aurora, CO 80013
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct 11, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15
Time: 3:45 - 5:15pm
City: Loveland, CO
Instructor: Joan Maute
Instructor Email: joanmaute@gmail.com
Class Location: Van Buren Elementary School, 1811 W 15th St, Loveland, CO 80538
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Longmont, CO
Instructor: Linda Emmermann
Instructor Email: lemusic55@aol.com
Class Location: Hygiene Elementary, 11968 N. 75th Street, Longmont, CO 80503
Course Level: Beginners
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: Oct. 23- Dec 11
Time: after school, specifics forthcoming.
City: Pueblo, CO
Instructor: Joan Maute & Linda Emmermann
Instructor Email: joanmaute@gmail.com & lemusic55@aol.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Kansas
City: Kansas City, KS
Instructor: Amanda Johnson
Instructor Email: amanda.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: Noble Prentis Elementary, 2337 S 14th St, Kansas City, KS 66103
Course Level: Beginner/ Beginner Plus
Day: Mondays
Dates: September 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
City: Olathe, KS
Instructor: Amanda Johnson
Instructor Email: amanda.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: Ridgeview Elementary, 1201 E Elm St, Olathe, KS 66061
Registration continues: 8/21/18, 2nd week for those who have already taken the trainings, 8/28/18 for those who are new trainees in other schools
Course Level: Beginner/ Beginner Plus
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 23, 30, Nov 6
Time: 4:00-5:10pm
Mississippi
City: Ocean Springs, MS - on hold until January 2019
Instructor: Kate MacMahon
Instructor Email: kjmac01@msn.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: Beginner
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
Missouri
City: Kansas City, MO
Instructor: Amanda Johnson, in development
Instructor Email: amanda.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: TBA
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
North Carolina
City: Bolivia, NC (Brunswick County)
Instructor: Jeremy Matthews
Instructor Email: mrmathews70@gmail.com
Class Location: Brunswick County District Office, Building K, 35 Referendum Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422
Course Level: Beginner Plus
Day: TBA
Dates: TBA
Time: TBA
City: Wilmington, NC (New Hanover County)
Instructor: Jeremy Matthews
Instructor Email: mrmathews70@gmail.com
Class Location: Noble Middle School, 6520 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, Room 27
Course Level: Beginner Plus (Brush Up!)Participants will review skills learned in the GITC Beginner class such as playing chords, songwriting and incorporating music in their school curriculum. This class is for school personnel who have already taken the GITC Beginner class previously.
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: November 13-December 18 (No class Thanksgiving :-)
Time: 4-5 p.m.
Texas
City: Wichita Falls
Instructor: Jess Baron
Instructor Email: jess@guitarsintheclassroom.org
Class Location: TBA
Course Level: Beginner for Special Olympics leaders & teachers
When: One Day Workshop - Monday Oct 8
Washington
City: Langley, WA (South Whidbey Island)
Instructor: Quinn Fitzpatrick
Instructor Email: quinn.guitarsintheclassroom@gmail.com
Class Location: South Whidbey Elementary School, 5380 Maxwelton Rd, Langley, WA 98260
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Tuesdays
Dates: October 9, 16, 23, Nov 6, 13, 27, Dec 4, 11
Time: 4:00 – 5:00pm
West Virginia
City: Clay, WV (Clay County)
Instructor: Tracy Wayne
Instructor Email: twayne37@hotmail.com
Class Location: Clay Middle School Room G2, 19 Church St, Clay, WV 25043
Course Level: Beginner
Day: Thursdays
Dates: Oct. 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec 6th
Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
STRUM & SING
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Strum & Sing as a Developmental Approach to Learning to Make Music
Is Talent Real? And...is That Really the Point?
So many of us these days love music...but we do not necessarily think of ourselves as "musical" or "talented." But do we actually know what we would be capable of, given an opportunity to learn and practice? And even if we are never going to win a popularity contest, is that what's important about making music? When we allow the world of pop culture, reality T.V. and star-powered singing contests to define our musical potential, we give away agency over one of our most natural forms of communication, the most powerful one in fact. The human voice. We deprive ourselves of the power and joy of making music, all over a matter of winning or losing. It boils down to pride. What good is pride when it steals our joy?
At GITC, we think pride is a pest. From day one, we show it the door and help beginners stop limiting themselves musically. Far better to have a sense of humor and open up to the possibility we might even sound good one day! In the meantime, we can start making music a regular part of life to let our feelings out, to unwind, to celebrate special occasions, to blow off steam, or relax, and to join with others in singing uplifting songs. Every person, at every age, should feel encouraged to pick up a drum or a guitar at a party or camp out and lead a favorite tune - or to share songs in our own families- without fear of being judged or teased. Guitars in the Classroom establishes this culture of natural, shared music in classrooms. Kids embrace it readily. And teachers quickly get over their hesitation and begin playing and singing their hearts out because our methods are developmentally sequenced for all learners.
This is why we keep things simple. To strum and to sing is a wonderful thing. Maybe it's the beginning of something bigger, and maybe not. Maybe it's enough just to let the music in, to get pretty good at the basics, and to give music a vibrant and engaging role in elementary learning. We help teachers and students build a strong musical foundation. We encourage them to keep learning and growing beyond the basics. There are so many other places people can do that. What GITC supplies is musical readiness and a positive beginning. We are proud of this. Pride in and of itself isn't a bad thing, after all.
So many of us these days love music...but we do not necessarily think of ourselves as "musical" or "talented." But do we actually know what we would be capable of, given an opportunity to learn and practice? And even if we are never going to win a popularity contest, is that what's important about making music? When we allow the world of pop culture, reality T.V. and star-powered singing contests to define our musical potential, we give away agency over one of our most natural forms of communication, the most powerful one in fact. The human voice. We deprive ourselves of the power and joy of making music, all over a matter of winning or losing. It boils down to pride. What good is pride when it steals our joy?
At GITC, we think pride is a pest. From day one, we show it the door and help beginners stop limiting themselves musically. Far better to have a sense of humor and open up to the possibility we might even sound good one day! In the meantime, we can start making music a regular part of life to let our feelings out, to unwind, to celebrate special occasions, to blow off steam, or relax, and to join with others in singing uplifting songs. Every person, at every age, should feel encouraged to pick up a drum or a guitar at a party or camp out and lead a favorite tune - or to share songs in our own families- without fear of being judged or teased. Guitars in the Classroom establishes this culture of natural, shared music in classrooms. Kids embrace it readily. And teachers quickly get over their hesitation and begin playing and singing their hearts out because our methods are developmentally sequenced for all learners.
This is why we keep things simple. To strum and to sing is a wonderful thing. Maybe it's the beginning of something bigger, and maybe not. Maybe it's enough just to let the music in, to get pretty good at the basics, and to give music a vibrant and engaging role in elementary learning. We help teachers and students build a strong musical foundation. We encourage them to keep learning and growing beyond the basics. There are so many other places people can do that. What GITC supplies is musical readiness and a positive beginning. We are proud of this. Pride in and of itself isn't a bad thing, after all.
It's one thing to help children become musical people. Given a uke or guitar, a simple method, fun songs and some encouragement, they learn quickly and easily. But we grown ups tend to suffer from being self-critical. Teachers are particularly demanding of themselves. So GITC's job is to release that inner critic, calm that stern task master, and open the door to creativity.
As adults we can only learn to sing and play through ways that help us relax, bond with our group, and support us to take small steps at a gentle pace. Then we can overcome fear of failure and begin to enjoy taking creative risks! This is how GITC helps teachers and school staff members to become musicians in adulthood. We use an adapted version of the SmartStart Guitar method and the SmartStart Ukulele Method, designed by GITC's founder and executive director, Jessica Baron. Our classes break musical learning down to small achievable skills that are taught in ways people learn the best, wedded the academic content and skills for teaching grade school. We begin in Hawaiian open tuning and progress gradually to standard tuning as people's finger and hand-eye coordination develop. We strum, we play simplified chords and from day one, we sing, sing, sing!
Want to visit a GITC classroom to strum and sing with us? Please drop us a line!
As adults we can only learn to sing and play through ways that help us relax, bond with our group, and support us to take small steps at a gentle pace. Then we can overcome fear of failure and begin to enjoy taking creative risks! This is how GITC helps teachers and school staff members to become musicians in adulthood. We use an adapted version of the SmartStart Guitar method and the SmartStart Ukulele Method, designed by GITC's founder and executive director, Jessica Baron. Our classes break musical learning down to small achievable skills that are taught in ways people learn the best, wedded the academic content and skills for teaching grade school. We begin in Hawaiian open tuning and progress gradually to standard tuning as people's finger and hand-eye coordination develop. We strum, we play simplified chords and from day one, we sing, sing, sing!
Want to visit a GITC classroom to strum and sing with us? Please drop us a line!